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Gastritis, Giant Hypertrophic

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

ImportantIt is possible that the main title of the report Gastritis, Giant Hypertrophic is not the name you expected.

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Giant hypertrophic gastritis (GHG) is a general term for inflammation of the stomach due to the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the inner wall (mucosa) of the stomach resulting in abnormally large, coiled ridges or folds that resemble polyps in the inner wall of the stomach (hypertrophic gastric folds). GHG encompasses a collection of disorders. The symptoms of GHG may vary from case to case. The exact cause of GHG is unknown.

There is considerable confusion and contradiction in the medical literature regarding disorders involving large gastric folds. GHG is often used as a synonym for Menetrier disease. However, Menetrier disease is not a true form of gastritis. A diagnosis of Menetrier disease should indicate massive overgrowth of mucous cells (foveola) in the gastric mucosa (foveolar hyperplasia) and minimal inflammation. Foveolar hyperplasia results in large gastric folds. Because inflammation is minimal, Menetrier disease is classified as a form of hyperplastic gastropathy and not a form of gastritis. Some researchers believe that GHG and Menetrier disease may be variants of the same disorder or different parts of one disease spectrum.

Supporting Organizations

CORE

3 St. Andrews Place

London, NW1 4LB

United Kingdom

Tel: 2074860341

Fax: 2072242012

Email: info@corecharity.org.uk

Website: http://www.corecharity.org.uk

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

PO Box 8126

Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126

Tel: (301)251-4925

Fax: (301)251-4911

Tel: (888)205-2311

Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/

NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive &#038; Kidney Diseases

Office of Communications & Public Liaison

Bldg 31, Rm 9A06

Bethesda, MD 20892-2560

Tel: (301)496-3583

Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov

Website: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

Last Updated: 4/24/2008Copyright 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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